Tags

Top-ranked and reigning national champion Florida State opens its season against Oklahoma State at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday.

Carmichael wishes he was in Texas for another reason, too.

One that's far more important than the game and closer to his heart.

Carmichael, a Tallahassee resident who is known world-wide for his unrivaled success in motocross, has teamed up with friends FSU coach Jimbo Fisher and wife Candi to raise awareness for Franconi anemia (FA).

The Fishers started Kidz1stFund in 2011 to raise awareness and treatment options for FA. Carmichael believes in the Fishers and their organization.

"It's a horrible condition, and I just want to help," Carmichael, 34, said in a telephone interview from California on Thursday.

"When you have children, it hits home and really makes you take a step back and realize what you have.

"For me, it's very humbling."

Also affected by the disorder in Gage Klein, an 11-year-old motocross enthusiast from Texas who had the chance to meet hero Carmichael in February.

The Fishers, including Ethan, will join Gage and his family on the field at AT&T Stadium on Saturday for a pregame surprise on behalf of Carmichael.

The meeting, in addition to the FSU team wearing "I Fight Fanconi" Kidz1stFund helmet decals against the Cowboys, are both to show continued support in the fight against FA.

It's the second consecutive season opener that the Seminoles will don the decal on their helmet -- FSU and Pitt both wore it last year.

"They are trying to sort this out and find a resolution, find a cure," Carmichael said.

"You never want to see a child affected by this. It's not a fun part of life."

Carmichael, who will fly from California to Michigan for a business function on Saturday, embraces opportunities to help children.

Carmichael was introduced to Gage Klein by the Fishers when they became aware of Klein's condition and learned he was a big fan of Carmichael.

Gage and his family, including his grandparents, met Carmichael at the 2014 Dallas Supercross. The meeting left a lasting impression on the motocross legend and 15-time AMA National Champion.

In a way, it gives Carmichael a deeper satisfaction than a racing title.

That's another reason why he wishes he was in Texas.

"It's pretty cool and humbling and what's crazy is how happy, not only the child gets, but the parents and grandparents, too," explained Carmichael, who is also involved in Make-A-Wish Foundation (it arranges experiences for children with life-threatening medical conditions).

"It seems to be therapeutic for everyone, as much as it is for the child. I knew I had to get involved."